Mother of SA Waiter Who Died on MSC Euribia Says Cruise Line Is Hiding Medical Records

• Zenith Adams says MSC Cruises has refused to hand over her son Laeeq's medical records and crew statements, nearly a year after his death
• Laeeq Adams, 21, died on 18 October 2025 aboard the MSC Euribia while the ship was sailing to South Africa
• MSC Cruises disputed the claims and said the family must first submit a death certificate before any requests can be processed

DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL — The Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, mother of a 21-year-old South African waiter who died aboard a cruise ship last year says the company operating the vessel is blocking her from accessing critical documents that could explain what happened to her son in his final hours.

According to News24, Zenith Adams says MSC Cruises has not provided her with Laeeq Adams's medical records or statements from crew members who were present when he fell ill. Laeeq died on 18 October 2025, while the MSC Euribia was travelling back to South Africa.

Read also

Mokopane Hospital doctor Dr Rega Tavangar missing since late August, police appeal for info

What happened aboard the MSC Euribia

According to accounts from crew members, Laeeq began experiencing a fever and vomiting while on board. A paramedic only attended to him after the ship's doctor had been called three times. By the time medical assistance was rendered, Laeeq had already died. He was 21 years old. A post-mortem examination found that he suffered an acute lung injury. The family is still waiting for toxicology results to be returned.

MSC responds to allegations

MSC Cruises South Africa told News24 that Laeeq died as a result of a sudden cardiac arrest. The company said it followed standard maritime procedures throughout the incident, contributed to his funeral costs, and made donations to two schools in his memory. On the question of the withheld documents, MSC Cruises denied blocking access and said the family is required to submit a death certificate before any formal requests can be processed.

Family seeks clarity on son's final hours

Read also

Celani Zungu’s family demands answers after fatal water tanker incident, South Africans left divided

Zenith Adams said her sole objective is to understand the circumstances surrounding her son's death. She has expressed frustration with how MSC Cruises has managed communications with the family since the incident. The MSC Euribia has previously been linked to passenger deaths. In 2024, Scottish student Liam Jones went missing from the ship, and a separate passenger died after falling overboard in Norway.

Woman speaks after son killed in Westbury shooting

In a related article, Briefly News reported on a Westbury mother’s call for stronger police action after her son, Caston, was killed in a gang-related shooting. The attack claimed four lives and has intensified community concerns about escalating violence.

Source: Briefly News